Push button switch actuating mechanism



March 9, 1965 w. L. TANCRED PUSH BUTTON SWITCH ACTUATING MECHANISM Filed Aug. 21. 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. W\LLIAM L.TANC.RED

ATTORNEY United States Patent Office 3,172,296 PUSH BUTTON SWITCH ACTUATING Il IECHANESM William L. Tancrerl, Los Angeles, Calif assignor to Controls Company of America, Schiller Park, Ill., a

corporation of Delaware Filed Aug, 21, 1961, Ser. No. 132,654 13'Clairns. (Cl. 74-103) This invention relates to actuators for electrical switches and, more particularly, to switch actuators of the alternate action type.

An object of this invention is the provision ofa compact and simply constructed alternate action switch mech anism and one which utilizes a minimum number of parts.

Another object of this invention is the provision of an alternate action switch mechanism which is readily adaptable for use in a single switch assembly or in multiple switch assembly.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an alternate action switch mechanism which is vibration and shock resistant.

The novel features of this invention are set forth in the appennded claims. The invention itself, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be more clearly understood from a reading of the following description in connection'with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom planview of the mechanism of FIG. 1;

'FIG. 3 illustrates the mechanism of FIG. 1 in a subsequent position;

FEG. 4 is an enlarged elevation of the alternate action mechanism inits normal rest position;

FIG. 5 illustrates the alternate action mechanism in a fully depressed position;

FIG. 6 illustrates the alternate action mechanism in its latched position; and

FIG. 7 illustrates the alternate action mechanism as it is moved from the latched position and released for returnof the actuator to its rest position.

Referring to FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment of this invention a switch actuator 1 is mounted on and movable relative to a rigid frame 2. The actuator 1 can be moved manually or, if desired, automatically by connecting it to a suitable electrical solenoid (not shown). Fixedly connected to the frame by means of a bracket 3 is a switch 4. An actuating arm 6 is supported in an aperture 5' for pivotal movement into and out of engagement with a switch actuating button 7. A compression spring 3 is positioned in surrounding relationship with the button 7 and has one end seated against the switch 4 and the opposite end seated on the underside of the actuating arm 6 so that the actuating arm is normally held away from engagement with the button 7.

Included on the actuating arm 6 is a camming portion 9 which is positioned in the path of a follower 19. The follower 1G is rigidly connected to and movable with the actuator 1. Thus, as the actuator 1 is moved downwardly relative to the frame 2 and away from the rest position the follower 10 engages the carnming surface 9 and displaces the actuating arm 6 to depress the button 7 and actuate the switch 4.

The frame 2 includes a laterally extending leg which forms a lower shelf 12. A compression spring 11, suitably seated between the underside of the actuator 1 and the shelf 12, urges the actuator upwardly and maintains it in a normal rest position.

A bracket 13 is suitably connected to the actuator 1 Patented Mar. 9, 1965 and is movable therewith relative to the frame 2. The lower shelf '12 of the frame'zis provided with an aperture raw permit movement of bracket 13-. Apost 15 is rigidlyattached to the frame 2 and provides a guide upon which the actuator 1 andthe bracket 13 are movable. The bracket 13 carries a mechanism 16 which provides for alternate action of the .switeh'4. The mechanism 16, being carried by the bracket 113,, is then movable with the actuator 1.

Referring to FIG. 4, the alternate action mechanism 16 includes a latch 17. The latch 17 is provided with an elongated slot 13 in whichis positioned a stud 19. The stud 19 is rigid with the bracket 13 so that the latch 17 is movable with the'bracket 13, and correspondingly the actuator 1 which is rigid with the bracket 13, and is capable of pivotal movement on the bracket 13. Furthermore, the elongated slot 118; provides for limited travel of the bracket 13 relative to the latch 17in the direction of movement of the actuator and for a purpose which will appear hereinafter.

Positioned adjacent the latch 17 is a pawl 29 which is pivotal ly 'rnounted on the bracket 13 by a stud 21.

The stud 21 rigidly connects the latchtothe bracket 13 for movement therewith and further provides a pivotal connection about which the latch 26 pivots on the bracket 13.

An S-shaped spring 22 is suitably seated in apertures 23 and 24 of the latch 17 and the pawl; Zll respectively and biases both the latch 17 andthe pawl 26 counterclockwise about their respective pivotal connections. Further, the spring fzz urges the'latch -17 upwardly so that the stud- 19 is normally positioned at the bottornof the 'slot18. The lower ends ofthe latchl'l and the pawl 26 are; disposed in apertures 25 and '26 in the lower shelf 12 of the frame; 2. As can be seen in P16. 2, When the actuator 1 is disposed in its normal position the lower ends of the latch l'l and the pawl 20 andthe shelf 12. prevent counterclockwise rotation of the latch and pawl about their pivotal axis so that these members are maintained in relative vertical alignment'with the longitudinal axis of the actuator 1.

When the actuator 1 is moved from its normal position to actuate, the switch 4 the latch 17 and. the pawl move downwardly through the apertures 25 and 26 respectively. This frees the latch and pawl for pivotal movement about their respective axes. When the actuator 1 is fully depressed to an abnormal position, the latch and pawl are pivoted to the position shown in FIG. 5 by the spring 22. Thelatch 17, at its lowe r end, is provided with a hook portion 27. 1 Pivotal movement of the latch 17,

when the actuator 1 isfully depressed positions the hook portion 27 below a portion of the shelf 12 adjacent the aperture 25. Sincethe actuator 1 is biased towards its normal position by the spring .11, when the force applied to depress the actuator is removed the actuator will at- I tempt to return to its rest position; however, the hook 27 will engage the shelf 12 t0 hold the actuator against return and in a latched position. It should be. noted that .when the actuator 1 is held in the latched positionby the hook 27 the-fo1lower 10 is held inengagement with the camming surface 9 and maintains the actuation of switch 4.

The upper end of the latch 17 is provided with a laterallyextending jaw 28 and the pawl 20 is provided at its upper end with a hook 29. When the actuator 1 is moved to the depressed position of FIG. 5, the pawl 20 is also pivoted by the. spring 22. The hook 29abuts the jaw 28 and limits the pivotal movement ofthe pawl 20. The elongated. slot 18 permits limited travelof. the bracket 13relative to the latch; 17 after the'hook'portion'27 has 7 engaged the shelf. 12. The. pawl 20, being movable with the bracket 13, also travels relative to the latch 17 so that 3 the hook 29 is displaced from abutting relationship with the jaw 28. This frees the pawl and allows the spring 22 to pivot it further about the stud 21 and position the hook 29 above the jaw 28 for engagement of the paw 28 by the hook 29 when the actuator is again moved against the bias of spring 11 and away from its latched position.

The alternate action mechanism 16 is illustrated in its latched position in FIG. 6. When the actuator is moved away from its latched position, the slot 18 will again permit limited movement of the bracket 13 and the pawl 20 relative to the latch 17 i that the hook 29 will be brought into engagement with the jaw 28 to pivot the latch 17 out of engagement with shelf 12. Referring to FIG. 7 when the actuator is moved to a fully depressed position from the latched position, the hook 29 is in engagement with the jaw 28 and the hook 27 on the latch has been displaced out of alignment with the shelf with both the latch 17 and the pawl 20 being positioned with their longitudinal axes in general alignment with the longitudinal axis of the actuator 1 so that the actuator is freed for return to its normal position.

The pawl 20 includes a camming surface 30, which, when the alternate action mechanism is in the position of FIG. 7 with the hook 29 engaging the jaw 28, is positioned to engage the portion of the shelf 12 adjacent the aperture 26 as the actuator moves toward its normal position. More specifically, after the latch 17 has been released from the shelf 12 and the downward pressure on the actuator 1 is removed to permit the actuator 1 to return to its normal position, the camming surface 30 engages the shelf 12 and pivots the pawl 20 about its axis and disengages the hook 29 and jaw 28 so that upon return of the actuator to its normal position the alternate action mechanism is returned to the condition of FIG. 2 and is ready for another sequence of operations.

It should be noted that the latch 17 and the pawl 20 are formed, substantially planar members which fit flush with the bracket 13 and that the alternate action of the actuator 1 is accomplished without the use of space consuming lateral projections. The working portions and surfaces of the latch and pawl are contained in the planes of these members and the members themselves are generally co-planar. Hence, a simple, compact alternate action structure is provided which can be readily fitted within the width limits of the actuator 1 and which has a minimum lateral extension from the actuator. Such an alternate action mechanism can be incorporated in a switch assembly without sacrificing space which in many switch installations, such as electronic computers, adding machines, aircraft controls, etc., is at a premium. Furthermore the alternate action mechanism of this invention is readily adaptable for use with a single switch assembly or for use in a switch assembly incorporating a plurality of switch stations, commonly referred to as a gangmounted switch assembly.

The alternate action mechanism of this invention is also particularly well suited for use in installations where considerable vibration may be encountered or where the switch assembly may be subjected to severe impact or shock. An interlock is provided which locks the mechanism in its latched position and prevents the latch from being shaken loose. More specifically, the bracket 13 is provided with a lock pin 31 which is rigid with the bracket 13 and is normally positioned relative to the latch 17 so as not to interfere with the pivotal movement of the latch about the stud 19. When the alternate action mechanism is in is latched position, see FIG. 6, and the bracket 13 has moved relative to the latch 17, the lock pin 31 is also moved relative to the latch. The lock pin, in the latched position, thus assumes a position relative to the latch 17,

' so as to limit the travel therefor such that any travel will be insufiicientto disengage the book 27 from the shelf 12 and free the actuator 1 for return to its normal position.

The discussion of this invention with respect to a particular preferred embodiment thereof is intended for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation. Accordingly, it is intended in the appended claims to cover all modifications and/ or embodiments of this invention as fall within the true spirit and scope thereof.

What I claim is:

1. A switch actuating mechanism comprising, in combination, an actuator mounted on and movable relative to a frame, means for biasing said actuator toward a normal position relative to said frame, a planar latch, means for connecting said latch to said actuator for pivotal movement relative thereto into and out of engagement with said frame and for limited travel of said actuator relative to said latch in the direction of movement of said actuator relaive to said frame, a hook on said latch disposed to engage said frame when said actuator is moved against said bias to an abnormal position and operative to hold said actuator in a latched position intermediate said normal and abnormal position and against return to said normal position, a planar pawl, means for connecting said pawl to said actuator for movement therewith and pivotal movement thereon into and out of engagement with said latch, said pawl including a hook portion which when said actuator is in said normal position is disposed in spaced relation from said latch, means interconnecting said latch and said pawl for pivotally displacing said latch and said pawl when said actuator is moved against said bias from said normal position to engage said hook on said latch with said frame and position said hook on said pawl for engagement with said latch when said actuator is moved against said bias away from said latched position to thereby pivot said hook on said latch away from said frame and free said actuator for return to said normal position, and means on said pawl disposed to engage said frame as said actuator is returned to said normal position for disengaging said hook on said pawl from said latch.

2. A switch actuating mechanism comprising, in combination, an actuator mounted on and movable relative to a frame, means for biasing said actuator toward a normal position relative to said frame, a planar latch, means for connecting said latch to said actuator for pivotal movement relative thereto into and out of engagement with said frame and for limited travel of said actuator relative to said latch in the direction of movement of said actuator relative to said frame, a hook on said latch disposed to engage said frame when said actuator is moved from said normal position and hold said actuator in a latched position and against return to said normal position, a planar pawl, means for connecting said pawl to said actuator for movement therewith and pivotal movement thereon into and out of engagement with said latch, said pawl including a hook portion which when said actuator is in said normal position is disposed in spaced relation from said latch, means interconnecting said latch and said pawl for pivotally displacing said latch and said pawl when said actuator is moved from said normal position to engage said hook on said latch with said frame and to position said hook on said pawl for engagement with said latch when said actuator is moved away from said latched position to thereby pivot said hook on said latch away from said frame and free said actuator for return to said normal position, and means on said pawl disposed to engage said frame as said actuator is returned to said normal position for disengaging said hook on said pawl from said latch.

3. A switch actuating mechanism comprising, in combination, an actuator mounted on and movable relative to a frame, means for biasing said actuator toward a normal position relative to said frame, a planar latch, means for connecting said latch to said actuator for pivotal movement relative thereto into and out of engagement with said frame and for limited travel of said actuator relative to said latch in the direction of movement of said actuator relative to said frame, holding means on said latch disposed to engage said frame when said actuas tor is moved from said normal position for holding said' said pawl to said actuator for movement therewith and pivotal movement thereon into and out of engagement with said latch, and means'interconnecting said latch and said pawl for pivotally displacing said latch and said pawl when said actuator is moved from said normal position to engage said holding means with said frame and to position said pawl for engagement with said latch when said actuator is moved away from said latched position to thereby pivot said latch away from said frame to free said actuator for return to said'norrnal position, and means for disengaging said pawl from said latch as said actuator is returned to said normal position.

4. A switch actuating mechanism comprising, in combination, an actuatormounted on and movable relative to a frame member, means'for biasing said actuator toward at normal position relative "to said frame member, a latch member pivotally connected to said actuator for movement therewith and. for pivotalmovement thereon into and out of engagement with said frame, holding means on said -latch member disposed to engage said frame member when said actuator is moved from said normal position for holding saidactuator in a latched position and against return to said normal position, a pawl pivotally connected to said actuator for movement therewith and for pivotal movement thereon into and out of engagement with said latch member, and means for displacing said latch member and said pawl'when said actuator is moved from said normal position to engage said holding means on said latch member with said frame member and to move said pawl for engagement with said latch member when said actuator is moved from said latched position to thereby disengage said holding means from said frame member to free said actuator for return to said normal position.

5. A switch actuating mechanism comprising, in combination, an actuator mounted on and movable relative to a frame, means for biasing said actuator toward a normal position relative to said frame, a latch pivotally connected to said actuator for movement therewith and for pivotal movement thereon into and out of engagement with said frame, a pawl pivotally connected to said actuator for mo 'ement therewith and for pivotal movement thereon into and out of engagement with said latch, and means for displacing said latch and said pawl when said actuator is moved against said bias and away from said normal position to engage said latch with said frame to hold said actuator against return to said normal position and to position said pawl for engagement with said latch when said actuator is again moved against said bias to thereby disengage said latch from said frame and free said actuator for return to said normal position.

6. A switch actuating mechanism, comprising, in combination, an actuator mounted on and movable relative to a frame, means for biasing said actuator toward a normal position relative to said frame, first and second relatively movable members connected to said actuator for movement therewith, one of said movable members positioned on said actuator to engage said frame when said actuator is moved against said bias and away from said normal position to hold said actuator against return to said normal position, means for baising said one member toward engagement with said frame, and means for displacing the other of said movable members, said other movable member moving with said actuator into engagement with said one movable member for engagement with said one member when said actuator is again moved against said bias and said other movable member operative, in accordance with movement thereof with said actuator, to move said one member out of engagement with said frame to free said actuator for return to said normal position.

7. The combination of claim 6 including means for disengaging said one member from said other member as said actuator is returned to said normal position.

8. A switch actuating mechanism comprising, in combi-. nation, an actuator mounted on and movable relative to a frame, means for biasing said actuator toward a normal position relative to said frame, a latch, means forconrlec't ing said latchto said actuator for pivotalrnovemehtrel ative thereto into and out of engagement with said frame and for limited travel of said actuator relative to said latch in the direction of movement of said actuator relative to said frame, said latch disposed to engage said frame when said actuator is moved from said normal position and hold said actautor in a latched position and against return to said normal position, a projection onsaid actuator so positioned'relative to said latch when said actuator is held in said latched position as to limit the movement of said latch to an amount insuflicient to disengage 'said latch from said frame, a pawl,-means for connecting saidpawl to said actuator for movement therewith and pivotal movement thereon into and out of engagement with said latch, and means for ivotally displacing said 'latch and saidpawl when said actuator is moved fromsaid-normal position to engage said latch with said frame and to move I said pawl for-engagement with said latch latch when said f actuatoris moved away from said latched position tol pivot said latch away fromtsaid frame and free said actuator'for return to said normal position.

9. A switch actuating mechanismcomprising, in com bination, an actuator mounted on and movable relative to a frame, means for biasing said actuator toward a' normal position relative to said frame, a latch member pivotally connected to said actuator for movement therewith and for pivotal movement thereon, said latch member'disposed to engage said frame when said actuator is moved from said normal position and hold said actuator in a latched position against return to said normal position, means movable with said actuator and so positioned relative to said latch member when said actuator is in said latched position as to limit movement of said latch to an amount insufficient to disengage said latch member from said frame, a pawl member pivotally connected to said actuator for movement therewith and for pivotal movement thereon into and out of engagement with said latch member, and means for displacing said latch member and said pawl member when said actuator is moved from said normal position to engage said latch member with said frame and to move said pawl member for engagement with said latch member when said actuator is moved away from said latched position to disengage said latch member and said frame and free said actuator for return to said normal position.

10. A switch actuating mechanism comprising, in combination, an actuator mounted on and movable relative to a frame member, means for biasing said actuator toward a normal position relative to said frame member, first and second relatively movable members connected to said actuator for movement therewith, one of said movable members positioned on said actuator to engage said frame member when said actuator is moved against said bias to hold said actuator against return to said normal position, means disposed adjacent said one movable member when said actuator is held away from said normal position to limit movement of said one movable member relative to said frame member and maintain engagement of said one movable member with said frame, means for biasing said one member toward engagement with said frame member, and mean operative when said actuator is held away from said normal position for displacing the other of said movable members for engagement with said one member to disengage said one member from said frame member when said actuator is again moved against said bias to thereby free said actuator for return to said normal position.

11. A switch actuating mechanism comprising, in combination, frame means, an actuator movable into and out of a normal position relative to said frame means, means biasing said actuator toward said normal position, latch means supported on one of said actuator and said frame means and arranged for selective engagement with the other of said actuator and frame means and operable when said actuator is moved from said normal position to hold said actuator in a latched position to prevent return of said actuator to said normal position, means mounted on and movable with said actuator for releasing said latch means to free said actuator for return to said-normal position, and means carried by said actuator disposed adjacent said latch means when said actuator is in said latched position to limit movement of said latch means to prevent release of said latch means while it is holding said actuator against return to said normal position.

12. A switch actuating mechanism comprising, in combination, an actuator mounted on and movable relative to a frame member into and out of a normal position, first and second relatively movable members connected to said actuator for movement therewith, one of said movable members positioned on said actuator to engage said frame member when said actuator is moved away from said normal position to hold said actuator in a latched position and against return to said normal position, means for biasing said one member toward engagement with said frame member, means operative when said actuator is held away from said normal position for displacing the other of said movable members for engagement with said one member so that said other movable member is operative to move said one member out of engagement with the frame member when said actuator is moved away from said latched position to free said actuator for return to said normal position, and means disposed adjacent said one movable member when said actuator is held away S from said normal position to limit movement of said one movable member and maintain engagement of said one member with said frame member.

13. A switch actuating mechanism comprising, in combination, frame means, an actuator movable into and out of a normal position relative to said frame means, latch means supported on one of said actuator and said frame means arranged for selective engagement with the other of said actuator and frame means and operable when said actuator is moved from said normal position to hold said actuator in a latched position to prevent return to said normal position, means connected with one of said actuator and said frame means and operable in response to movement of said actuator for releasing said latch means to free said actuator for return to said normal position, and means carried by said actuator and operative when said actuator is in said latched position to limit movement of said latch means so as to prevent release of said latch means while it is holding said actuator against return to said normal position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,446,789 Schmid Aug. 10, 1948 2,459,255 Von Glahn Ian. 18, 1949 2,911,834 Mastney et al. Nov. 10, 1959 2,946,237 Herbert July 26, 1960 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,002,444 Germany Feb. 14, 1957 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,172,296 March 9, 1965 William L. Tancred It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below Column 4, line 14, for "relaive" read relative column 5, lines 68 and 69, strike out "for engagement with said one member", and insert the same after "members" in. line same column 5; column 6, line ll, for "actautor" read actuator line 22, strike out "latch", first occurrence; line 65, for "mean" read means column 7, line 7, before "disposed" insert and column 8, line 8, before "arrange insert and Signed and sealed this 27th day of July 1965. (SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST W. SWIDER EDWARD J. BRENNER Aitesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

6. A SWITCH ACTUATING MECHANISM, COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, AN ACTUATOR MOUNTED ON AND MOVABLE RELATIVE TO A FRAME, MEANS FOR BIASING SAID ACTUATOR TOWARD A NORMAL POSITION RELATIVE TO SAID FRAME, FIRST AND SECOND RELATIVELY MOVABLE MEMBERS CONNECTED TO SAID ACTUATOR FOR MOVEMENT THEREWITH, ONE OF SAID MOVABLE MEMBERS POSITIONED ON SAID ACTUATOR TO ENGAGE SAID FRAME WHEN SAID ACTUATOR IS MOVED AGAINST SAID BIAS AND AWAY FROM SAID NORMAL POSITION TO HOLD SAID ACTUATOR AGAINST RETURN TO SAID NORMAL POSITION, MEANS FOR BAISING SAID ONE MEMBER TOWARD ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID FRAME, AND MEANS FOR DISPLACING THE OTHER OF SAID MOVABLE MEMBERS, SAID OTHER MOVABLE MEMBER MOVING WITH SAID ACTUATOR INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID ONE MOVABLE MEMBER FOR ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID ONE MEMBER WHEN SAID ACTUATOR IS AGAIN MOVED AGAINST SAID BIAS AND SAID OTHER MOVABLE MEMBER OPERATIVE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH MOVEMENT THEREOF WITH SAID ACTUATOR, TO MOVE SAID ONE MEMBER OUT OF ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID FRAME TO FREE SAID ACTUATOR FOR RETURN TO SAID NORMAL POSITION. 